Sometimes, life’s detours lead to the most breathtaking destinations.
We all grew up hearing the same career fairytale—graduate, land your dream job and live happily ever after. But in real life? It’s messy.
Maybe you got hit with endless job rejections or you landed the job only to realize it wasn’t what you thought. Maybe you got cut off before you even had a chance to shine. Whatever the case might be, hitting ground zero after graduation is tough, but guess what?
It’s not the end. It’s just the plot twist you didn’t see coming.
The emotional rollercoaster of career detours
Let’s be real—getting ghosted by employers or hit with a “Thanks, but no thanks,” email stings. The self-doubt creeps in and suddenly, you’re questioning everything. It’s totally normal to feel lost or frustrated.
Take a second and give yourself space to process it, but don’t let it define you.
A lot of us tie our worth to career success, which makes setbacks feel personal. But rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it just means the right door hasn’t opened yet. Instead of seeing it as a failure, try flipping the script instead: this is a plot twist, not a dead end.
CJ Cuison, cosmetic management class of 2024
CJ Cuison, a graduate of the Humber Polytechnic cosmetic management class of 2024, knows this feeling all too well.
“I thought I had everything lined up—a solid resume, internships, networking—but when the rejection emails started piling up, I felt completely lost. It was like everything I had worked for just disappeared overnight,” said Cuison.
But instead of letting the setback break her, Cuison took it as a sign to explore new opportunities.
“I started freelancing, offering beauty consultations and skincare coaching online. Not only did it help me build confidence, but it also opened doors I never expected. Brands started noticing my work, and suddenly, I was getting offers that aligned more with what I actually wanted,” Cuison said.
How to get back in the game
So, what now? Here’s how to pivot like a pro and turn career disappointment into your next big break.
- Rethink the game plan – Maybe you were chasing a career that doesn’t truly fit you. Kendrah Underwood, a global learning & development education consultant, said we should “Take a step back and reassess what you actually want. Sometimes rejection is just redirection.”
- Stack your skills – If your dream job isn’t biting, it might be time to level up. Take an online course, earn a certification or start a side project to boost your portfolio.
- Network like a boss – It’s not just about what you know, but who you know. Connect with people in your industry, attend events and don’t be afraid to slide into LinkedIn DMs—you never know where a casual convo might lead.
- Stay open to unexpected wins – Your ideal job might not look like what you originally imagined. A setback in one field could lead to an exciting opportunity in another, opening doors you hadn’t considered before.
- Create your own opportunities – If the job market isn’t giving you a seat at the table, build your own. Whether through freelancing, starting a passion project or launching a business, taking initiative can be the game-changer you need.
Cuison echoed this sentiment.
“I used to think success meant landing a corporate job at a big beauty brand, but freelancing made me realize that I could create my own success on my own terms,” Cuison said. “If I had landed my ‘dream job’ right away, I wouldn’t have discovered my passion for beauty education and content creation.”
Turning setbacks into glow-ups
Some of the most successful people had career rejections that turned into their biggest wins. For example, Oprah Winfrey was told she wasn’t fit for TV. If she had given up, we wouldn’t have The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Walt Disney was once fired from a newspaper job for “lacking imagination,” yet he went on to create one of the most successful entertainment empires in history. Steve Jobs was pushed out of Apple, the company he co-founded, only to return years later and revolutionize the tech industry. Even Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was cut from his high school varsity team before proving everyone wrong with his relentless work ethic and determination.
Cuison also found that setbacks were just stepping stones to success.
“Looking back, I’m actually grateful for those rejections. If I had landed a job right away, I wouldn’t have taken the leap into freelancing, which has given me more creative freedom and unexpected opportunities. Sometimes, the things that don’t work out actually set you up for something even better.” Cuison said.
The lesson? Rejection isn’t the end of your story—it’s just the start of a better one. The most successful people didn’t succeed because everything went according to plan; they succeeded because they didn’t give up when it didn’t.
Your career isn’t over—it’s just getting interesting
Starting over after a career setback might feel like the end of the world—but what if it’s actually the plot twist that makes your story unforgettable? Think of it as the exhilarating moment before the hero rises, the blank page before a masterpiece takes shape. This isn’t just an ending; it’s the thrilling beginning of something even greater.
Now’s your chance to pivot, redefine and chase what truly sets your soul on fire. Setbacks aren’t roadblocks; they’re redirections—nudging you toward something more aligned with your passions, values and wildest dreams. Every challenge you conquer builds resilience, sharpens your adaptability and strengthens your spirit.
Embrace the unknown with open arms. Stay curious, stay fearless and trust that your next big break is closer than you think. The best stories are the ones with unexpected twists, and yours is about to get really, really good.
Now, rise to the challenge. What will you create next?
Feature image courtesy of Valentin Lacoste via Unsplash.
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